"Life of Shakespeare" (1978) TV mini-series 1978-

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

13 June 1978 (UK)

Genre:

Biography

Plot Keywords:

Reference To William Shakespeare | Theatre | TV Mini-Series | Shakespearian Actor | Elizabethan Era

Cast

Tim Curry	...	William Shakespeare (6 episodes, 1978)
Paul Freeman	...	Dick Burbage (6 episodes, 1978)
John Normington	...	Alex Cooke / ... (6 episodes, 1978)
Ron Cook	...	Jack Rice (6 episodes, 1978)
Richard Cordery	...	Henry Condell (6 episodes, 1978)
Ronald Herdman	...	Sam Crosse (6 episodes, 1978)
Roger Lloyd-Pack	...	Jack Heminge (6 episodes, 1978)
Michael Hadley	...	Augustine Phillips (5 episodes, 1978)
Derek Royle	...	William Kempe (5 episodes, 1978)
Nicholas Clay	...	Earl of Southampton (4 episodes, 1978)
John McEnery	...	Hamnet Sadler (3 episodes, 1978)
Matthew Taylor	...	Hercules (3 episodes, 1978)

Series Directed by
Mark Cullingham		(3 episodes, 1978)
Robert Knights		(2 episodes, 1978)

Series Writing credits
John Mortimer		(6 episodes, 1978)

Series Produced by
Cecil Clarke	....	producer (6 episodes, 1978)
Lorna Mason	....	associate producer (6 episodes, 1978)
Peter Roden	....	co-producer (6 episodes, 1978)

Series Original Music by
Richard Hill		(6 episodes, 1978)

Series Production Design by
Michael Bailey		(6 episodes, 1978)
Henry Graveney		(6 episodes, 1978)

Series Costume Design by
David Walker		(6 episodes, 1978)

Series Camera and Electrical Department
Brian Grant	....	camera operator (6 episodes, 1978)

Series Music Department
Richard Hill	....	music arranger (6 episodes, 1978)

Series Other crew
Arnold Ross	....	location manager (unknown episodes)

Production Companies

• Associated Television (ATV)
• Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI)

Distributors

• BWE Video

Also Known As:

"Will Shakespeare" - UK (alternative title), USA (DVD title)

Runtime:

60 min (6 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Associated Television (ATV)

Well worth watching!

This six hour mini-series really catches the flavor of Elizabethan England. Tim Curry is a surprising choice as Shakespeare because one expects a more traditional hero. Curry played the doctor on the submarine Red October in the movie of the same name, but his characterization is much stronger and more appealing in this movie. Ian McShane as Christopher Marlowe is interesting, but Nicholas Clay as the Earl of Southampton is breathtakingly handsome and steals every scene he is in--no, he doesn't have to steal them, they belong to him. Shakespeare's long debated sexuality is handled well in this movie although the implication that he and Southampton were homosexual lovers is definitely there. This movie is not as fast-paced as "Shakespeare in Love." It seemed longer than six hours long, but it kept me coming back for more each evening of the week. I know quite a bit about Shakespeare and this movie did not disappoint me. It was fun where it should be fun and serious where it should be serious. If you love Shakespeare, this one is probably for you!